Dallas Judge Craig Smith Elected President of Texas Association of District Judges

DALLAS, Dec. 9, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Texas Civil District Court Judge Craig Smith of Dallas has been elected President of the Texas Association of District Judges (TADJ), a statewide organization charged with protecting the legislative interests of the 441 Texas district courts.

A non-partisan political organization, the TADJ monitors the Texas Legislature for issues that impact the state's district courts and promotes legislation favorable to the state's justice system. Judge Smith will fill one year of an unexpired term left by 331st Criminal District Court Judge Bob Perkins, who is retiring from office and stepping down from his TADJ post in January.

"It's an honor that my fellow judges would place their confidence in me for this important mission," says Judge Smith, who presides in Dallas County's 192nd District Court. "History has shown that the district courts are the front line of our justice system and it is very helpful to the legislative process to have input from the trial bench at the very earliest stages."

As the 2011 legislative session approaches, Judge Smith says the association plans to actively participate in any discussions regarding restructuring of the judicial system and any proposals to change the way judges are selected in Texas.

Elected to the 192nd District Court in 2006 and re-elected without opposition in 2010, Judge Smith is the recipient of the 2009 Hartman Judicial Pro Bono Service Award from the Dallas Bar Association based on his participation in the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program. He also is the recipient of the 2008 Judge of the Year Award presented by the Dallas Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA).

Prior to his service on the bench, Judge Smith practiced law for more than 30 years. He is Board Certified in both Civil Trial Law and Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a dual certification held by few Texas Lawyers.

For more information, contact Winiford Jones at 214-653-7709.

SOURCE Judge Craig Smith

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Dallas Judge Craig Smith Elected President of Texas Association of District Judges